Downtown Branch - Chattanooga Public Library — Attraction in Chattanooga

I visited while on vacation. As an avid library lover I had heard great things about Makerspace and other programs here. However, from the moment I walked in the place smelled like urine. It was a very distinct piss smell all over the first floor. They had two security guards at a metal detector entrance. The building was old, outdated, and gave off cold vibes. Homeless, as many libraries everywhere do have a homeless population that use them; were everywhere taking up valuable desk/computer space. It seemed there were more homeless than actual patrons. The book selection was paltry, surprising since this is the main branch of Hamilton County. On the second floor was the childrens area, very nice but seemed in need of updating/repair. The Makerspace was on the 4th Floor. Now that was actually superb for a library. They had everything from sewing machines and looms to a VR Studio, Photography Studio, 3D Printers, etc.... Pretty much anything you needed for any project was available. I was impressed by that yet disappointed in the rest. I believe a library should be the pinnacle of a city just as the courthouse and other important community features. It should feel comforting and welcome, and have a large variety of books on any subject. However, for such a large city as Chattanooga this seemed more like a cold warehouse for the homeless. Perhaps the city should move Makerspace to it's own location and fix up the library. It is in desperate need...

The Chattanooga Public Library is such an asset to this city and should receive more funding than it does — they clearly make great use of the resources available. The people who work at the library are so friendly and knowledgeable. I love being able to get books sent to the branch nearest to my home, and I’m always surprised by how quickly they arrive. They’ve also done a fantastic job at socially distanced book pickup, so kudos for that. When a book I want isn’t available, I can request it. They have to weigh whether others will read the book before ordering, so I try not to request too many obscure titles, but they accept my request to order more times than not, which is awesome! There are so many other ways to utilize CPL — I’ve attended many pre-COVID meetings on the 4th floor, built a piggy bank with their 3-D printer, printed out my resume for a job interview, etc. Folks can learn to sew, rent tools and zoo passes, and attend learning programs (or at least when COVID-19 isn’t an issue). I think it’s great that the unhoused people in our city have a place to get out of weather extremes, rest, and make use of the computers and books. This library is one of the reasons I’ve stayed in this city as long as I have — CPL is a rare public resource for the greater good. Everyone can...

My family and I moved to Chattanooga on July the 4th 1976, when I was but eleven years. Our spectacular "Bicentennial" library opened that very same year. So there has always been a special connection for me. With its massive white stone angles and soft glass folds it has graced our lovely downtown skyline, and has stood as a bastion against the baser ideas of ignorance and intellectual starvation. In all the intervening years it has been a stately beacon of knowledge, and has Illuminated this fair city without fail. Although there have been many changes throughout the years in keeping with the pace of technology, it has remained true to its original nature. The staff have always been gracious and helpful. Resolute stewards of library science. And they have been unflagging in their dedication to the facility itself. If it is worth knowing, its at our wonderful library. Give them a visit. Grab a cup of amazing coffee. Go learn something. And marvel at this beautiful space filled with best of...